Perfect conditions on Saturday created the ideal situation for an exciting game and our U15s didn’t disappoint in this thriller against local rivals Holycross. With silverware up for grabs both teams came into this match hungry for victory. And it was Castle who started the brighter, forcing two early corners. But they could not convert them into goals. Holycross responded and both teams struggled for supremacy. The Castle midfield partnership of Ciaran Considine and Fergal O’ Connor gave the team the perfect platform to show their talent. Sean Lyons and Oisin Browne went close with chances. But it was Holycross who ended the half the better. They forced a stunning double save from our keeper, John O’ Dea who was once again in top form.

Very little needed to be said at halftime. More of the same would surely yield positive results. Castle again started brightly, forcing more corners. None of which led to a goal unfortunately. Holycross came close with a corner of their own, headed just over. Then it looked as if the moment had finally arrived. Declan Gilligan went flying down the wing and put a superb cross into the box. It was met by the head of the impressive Sean Lyons. All eyes watched as the ball struck the foot of the post and was cleared by a despairing Holycross boot. That was to be as close as Castle came. Holycross provided a late scare by sticking the ball in the back of the net, only for it to be correctly ruled out for offside. The Castle defence, led by Shaun Moloney, held firm until the final whistle. 0-0 it finished but it was a thrilling contest. And the best part? We get to do it all again...

After a chastening result against a powerful Knockainey side our U15s were looking to make amends. And they did it in some style. Two early goals in the first half for Castle helped to settle the nerves. With the freedom to play our boys moved the ball around with pace and confidence. It was not long before a third was added. However, Cappamore did manage to pull one back before the half time break. A gentle reminder came from the management about the last time we came in at half time with a strong lead. But the mistakes of Murroe were not to be repeated.

Instead the boys went out with renewed vigour and added further to the score line. A lapse in concentration gifted Cappamore a second goal. But it would prove to be no more than a consolation. Not long after, an outstanding last ditch tackle from Shaun Moloney left two Cappamore players on the ground while the ball was cleared to safety. There was to be no fightback from the opposition. In the end a hat-trick of goals apiece for Jimmy Quilty and Fergal O Connor gave Castle a comfortable win.